Do I need a lawyer to file for custody?

No. Every state has self-represented (pro se) filing options, and most county courthouses have a Family Law Facilitator or Self-Help Center that provides forms and guidance at no cost. A lawyer is strongly recommended if the case is contested, involves abuse allegations, or requires relocation or interstate issues.

How is 'best interest of the child' actually decided?

Judges weigh factors including each parent's ability to provide stability, the child's relationship with each parent, any history of violence or substance abuse, the child's preference (usually after a certain age), work schedules, and each parent's willingness to support the other's relationship with the child. Specific factors are listed in each state's custody statute.

Can I get 50/50 custody as a father?

Yes. Most states now have a presumption of — or strong preference for — joint legal and joint physical custody when both parents are fit and engaged. Fathers who show consistent involvement, stable housing, and willingness to coordinate with the mother have strong odds of receiving substantial parenting time, up to 50/50.

What if my ex violates the custody order?

File a Motion for Contempt or a Motion to Enforce with the court. Document every missed exchange, refused visit, or violation with dates, times, messages, and witnesses. Most courts treat repeated violations seriously, with remedies ranging from make-up time to modification of custody to sanctions.

Custody & Visitation in Indiana

8 verified resources.

About Custody & Visitation for Fathers

Custody and visitation cases are handled at the state and county level, typically through each state's family court or unified family division. Every state follows some version of the 'best interest of the child' standard, but the specifics — how judges weigh parental fitness, how parenting time is structured, how modifications are granted — vary widely. Most states have free self-help centers inside their main courthouses where fathers can get forms, file paperwork, and receive guidance without hiring an attorney. National organizations like the ABA, Cordell & Cordell, and various fathers' rights groups supplement local resources. This directory combines official state court self-help portals, county-level family law facilitators, private family law firms that represent fathers, and fatherhood advocacy organizations — all verified and up to date.

Custody & Visitation in Indiana

Indiana superior and circuit courts hear family matters in all 92 counties, with some counties operating dedicated domestic relations divisions. The Child Support Bureau operates under DCS. Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Evansville, and South Bend are the largest metros. Indiana Legal Services is the primary LSC-funded civil legal aid program.

8 Resources

1. Hamilton County Superior Court - Family — Free

Serves Hamilton County (Carmel, Fishers, Noblesville) for custody, divorce, paternity, and parenting time cases north of Indianapolis. Dads can file petitions, respond to motions, request hearings, and pick up self-help forms at the Noblesville courthouse. Bring a photo ID, filing fees (or fee-waiver paperwork), and any existing court orders, birth certificates, or child support records when visiting the clerk's office.

317-776-9629 · 1 Hamilton County Sq, Suite 337, Noblesville, IN 46060 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

2. St. Joseph County Superior Court - Family — Free

Handles family law cases for South Bend and St. Joseph County, including custody, divorce, paternity, and parenting time. Dads in the Michiana area can file petitions, access self-help forms, and attend hearings at the county courthouse downtown. Bring photo ID, filing fees or fee-waiver paperwork, existing court orders, and the child's birth certificate when visiting the clerk.

574-235-9657 · 101 S Main St, South Bend, IN 46601 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

3. Indiana Courts Self-Service Legal Center — Free

Official Indiana Judicial Branch resource offering free family law forms, step-by-step instructions, and plain-language guides for filing custody, paternity, divorce, and parenting time cases statewide. Useful for self-represented dads in all 92 counties. Forms are downloadable online; pair with the local county clerk for filing. Have photo ID, existing orders, and child's birth certificate ready when filing.

317-232-2554 · Online statewide resource · Online 24/7 · Visit Website

4. Tippecanoe County Superior Court - Family — Free

Handles custody, divorce, paternity, and parenting time cases for Lafayette and Tippecanoe County in west-central Indiana. Dads can file petitions, respond to motions, and access self-help forms through the county clerk's office downtown. Bring photo ID, filing fees or fee-waiver paperwork, existing court orders, birth certificates, and any child support records when visiting the courthouse.

765-423-9326 · 301 Main St, Lafayette, IN 47901 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

5. Delaware County Circuit Court - Family — Free

Serves Muncie and Delaware County for custody, divorce, paternity, and family law matters in east-central Indiana. Dads can file petitions, request hearings, and pick up self-help forms through the county clerk. Bring a photo ID, filing fees (or fee-waiver paperwork), existing court orders, and the child's birth certificate when visiting the courthouse. Ball State University area residents served here.

765-747-7726 · 100 W Main St, Muncie, IN 47305 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

6. Johnson County Superior Court - Family — Free

Serves Greenwood, Franklin, and Johnson County for custody, divorce, paternity, and parenting time cases south of Indianapolis. Dads can file petitions, respond to motions, and access self-help forms through the Franklin courthouse. Bring photo ID, filing fees or fee-waiver paperwork, existing court orders, birth certificates, and child support records when visiting the county clerk's office.

317-346-4535 · 5 E Jefferson St, Franklin, IN 46131 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

7. Hendricks County Superior Court - Family — Free

Handles custody, divorce, paternity, and parenting time cases for Plainfield, Brownsburg, Avon, and Hendricks County residents west of Indianapolis. Dads can file petitions, request hearings, and pick up self-help forms at the Danville courthouse. Bring a photo ID, filing fees or fee-waiver paperwork, existing court orders, the child's birth certificate, and any child support records when visiting.

317-745-9231 · 1 Courthouse Sq, Danville, IN 46122 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

8. Porter County Superior Court - Family — Free

Handles custody, divorce, paternity, and parenting time cases for Valparaiso, Chesterton, Portage, and Porter County in northwest Indiana. Dads can file petitions, respond to motions, and pick up self-help forms through the county clerk downtown. Bring photo ID, filing fees or fee-waiver paperwork, existing court orders, the child's birth certificate, and any child support records when visiting the courthouse.

219-465-3450 · 16 E Lincolnway, Valparaiso, IN 46383 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm

Custody & Visitation — Common Questions

Do I need a lawyer to file for custody?: No. Every state has self-represented (pro se) filing options, and most county courthouses have a Family Law Facilitator or Self-Help Center that provides forms and guidance at no cost. A lawyer is strongly recommended if the case is contested, involves abuse allegations, or requires relocation or interstate issues.
How is 'best interest of the child' actually decided?: Judges weigh factors including each parent's ability to provide stability, the child's relationship with each parent, any history of violence or substance abuse, the child's preference (usually after a certain age), work schedules, and each parent's willingness to support the other's relationship with the child. Specific factors are listed in each state's custody statute.
Can I get 50/50 custody as a father?: Yes. Most states now have a presumption of — or strong preference for — joint legal and joint physical custody when both parents are fit and engaged. Fathers who show consistent involvement, stable housing, and willingness to coordinate with the mother have strong odds of receiving substantial parenting time, up to 50/50.
What if my ex violates the custody order?: File a Motion for Contempt or a Motion to Enforce with the court. Document every missed exchange, refused visit, or violation with dates, times, messages, and witnesses. Most courts treat repeated violations seriously, with remedies ranging from make-up time to modification of custody to sanctions.